By Lisa Oster
•
December 10, 2024
Spreading Wings: Butterfly Conservation in Jensen Beach The Jensen Beach Garden Club proudly maintains four beautiful gardens in our area, along with the vibrant flower planters that brighten downtown Jensen Beach. These gardens are lovingly tended by our dedicated Garden Committee, co-chaired by Annie Ruffing and Dina D’Angelico-Elms. Every two weeks, rain or shine, committee members roll up their sleeves to plant, prune, and water, ensuring these spaces remain havens for butterflies and other pollinators and provide beautiful landscapes for everyone. Among our projects are two flourishing butterfly gardens—one at Hoke Library and another at Indian Riverside Park—designed to attract, nourish, and protect essential pollinators. Did you know that the Hoke Library Butterfly Garden was certified by the North American Butterfly Association in 2002? This distinction recognizes its role in providing vital resources for butterfly populations worldwide. And this year, we’re taking our conservation efforts to new heights by adding butterfly houses to both gardens! The Buzz on Butterfly Houses A butterfly house creates a safe and nurturing environment, mimicking the natural habitats butterflies need to thrive. These houses help protect against habitat loss by offering a space to rest, mate, and feed—all while supporting education, research, and conservation efforts. To bring this project to life, our club collaborated with a remarkable young leader: Sebastian Gonzalez, a senior at Jensen Beach High School and an aspiring Eagle Scout. Sebastian, no stranger to community service, has been a dedicated partner in our gardening efforts. You may have spotted him lending a hand at our February 25, 2023, Garden Expo or helping spread mulch at Indian Riverside Park. Built by Sebastian and beautifully painted by club members Linda Elliott and Kathryn Lerett, the houses were installed in the garden beds in October 2024. A Passion for the Atala Butterfly For his Eagle Scout project, Sebastian focused on supporting the recovery of the Atala butterfly, a small, brilliantly colored species native to Florida. Once considered extinct in the state, the Atala has made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation initiatives like ours. Sebastian recommended we add more Coonti plants (Zamia integrifolia) to our gardens—the sole host plant for Atala butterfly larvae. Each house features a dedication placard, symbolizing our shared commitment to protecting butterflies and enhancing biodiversity in Jensen Beach. Sebastian will be studying the activities of our beloved butterflies and will keep us posted on his findings. Celebrate With Us We’re thrilled to see Sebastian’s butterfly houses in action and invite you to join us in celebrating his achievements. His dedication to conservation and our community has made a lasting impact, both on our gardens and the butterflies they support. Look for them during your next visit! Stay tuned for updates on this project and other exciting initiatives from the Jensen Beach Garden Club. Together, we’re growing a greener, more beautiful world—one garden at a time!
